Nursing Home Residents Go On Trip Of A Lifetime To Disney World

Many had never even visited before.

The most magical place on Earth isn't just for kids—and these adorable nursing home residents proved it. Signature HealthCare, a nursing and rehabilitation center company, raised money to take a group of residents on a trip to Walt Disney World in December 2014. This was the fourth annual trip that the company has taken, and each time it proves a little more amazing.

The "big kids" had a blast, meeting many of the characters and enjoying some of the thrilling rides that the park has to offer. They visited multiple parks, including Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. For some, this was the first time they had visited a Disney theme park, making it an even more memorable experience. Emma DeBow, a 61-year-old woman, said, "I felt like a kid on Christmas morning," as she enjoyed the company of her peers on the trip.

Most were able to ride some of the attractions, but DeBow worked hard for months prior to the trip just to get to go. After having a stroke a few years ago, she was left partially paralyzed. Despite what medical professionals told her, she was able to meet her goal of riding Splash Mountain, after working hard with a team to get into shape—beating her previous fear of water, to boot. DeBow said the experience inspired her to try to walk on her own again. "I know if I can go to Disney and do everything I did in 2014, I can certainly do anything."